Are you making smart financial choices?

Making smart financial choices can be difficult. You need to consider tax laws, super rules, Centrelink – and the list goes on. What’s more, once you’ve made your choice you’re usually stuck with the outcome, for better or worse.

Imagine if you could easily go back and try again if you weren’t happy with the outcome of your choices. That’s exactly what the Choices Interactive Experience allows you to do.

It gives you the opportunity to put your financial know-how to the test by helping five animated couples make smart financial choices when facing realistic scenarios.

Meet the couples

Bruce and Shelley: Try to keep their age pension.

From 1 January 2017 the Centrelink assets test for the age pension is changing and many people are set to lose all or some of their benefits if they don’t reduce their assets.

Should Bruce and Shelley go on a holiday or gift some money to their child? Or perhaps they should renovate their house or transfer some money to super? You choose!

Natalie and Carlos: Mortgage paid off, now what?

Mortgage repayments are most people’s biggest expense so when it’s paid off the extra money is a big bonus. What would you choose? Splurge it or save it?

Tina and Dave: Coping with costs after an injury.

Most people have insurance as part of their super plan but don’t know what it covers, if it’s enough and any restrictions that may apply. See what happens to Tina and Dave when they find themselves in some very unfortunate circumstances.

Carol and Chung: Timing their retirement.

Deciding when to retire involves thinking through many factors including tax, super, cash flow and, of course, doing the things you’ve always wanted.

Should Carol retire at 57 or 60? And should she take her super as a lump sum or a pension? See how Carol’s decisions not only affect their finances but their lifestyle goals too.

Jen and Tom: Moving into Aged Care.

There comes a time when empty nesters consider downsizing. For some, this will mean moving into more suitable accommodation for health or age reasons.

Help Jen and Tom with their living circumstances including decisions around Tom’s move into Aged Care accommodation. Should they sell or keep the family home?

Related Products

Bridges Financial Services Pty Ltd (Bridges). ABN 60 003 474 977. ASX Participant. AFSL 240837. This is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation and needs. Before making an investment decision based on this information, you should assess your own circumstances or consult a financial planner or a registered tax agent. Examples are illustrative only and are subject to the assumptions and qualifications disclosed. Part of the IOOF group. In referring customers to Bridges, Credit Union SA does not accept responsibility for any acts, omissions or advice of Bridges and its authorised representatives.